Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of Queensland-based Hutchinson Builders, said people can expect to see "some real action" at the 11,000-plus square metre retail development in coming weeks.

Given the history of delays at the much maligned project, Mr Hutchinson's prediction has been met with some community scepticism, but construction at the site has this week finally commenced above ground level.

"We've struck a bit of rock which is taking some time but in the next couple of weeks we should see some real action," Mr Hutchinson said during an interview with Chris Jeremy for ABC Broken Hill's Morning Program Outback Outlook.

"There has been some concrete poured and we have had a little bit of wet weather.

"They sound like builders' excuses, but in this case they are true.

"That store will be open at Easter (2014)," Mr Hutchinson guaranteed.

Established in 1912, Hutchinson Builders is one of Australia's largest privately-owned building and construction companies with a staff of 1300 which will generate a record $1.3 billion in revenue this financial year.

"We do jobs from $20,000 to $300 million - that helps us smooth our workforce out," Mr Hutchinson explained.

"We have a huge range of jobs and different teams that have different capabilities.

"The tilt up slab system that is used now makes it very quick and makes it appear to outsiders as if it is going up very quickly," Mr Hutchinson continued.

$35 million investment

Retail giant Coles is investing $35 million in the Broken Hill Plaza development which is located between the CBD and the city's only other shopping centre, the Woolworths-dominated Centro Westside.

"I believe this is our first job in Broken Hill in 101 years - I can't ask my great-grandad because he's not here anymore," Mr Hutchinson revealed.

"We do a lot of work in the retail sector and a lot of work for Coles," he continued.

Hutchinson's recent partnerships with Coles have included work at Ipswich in Queensland and Sydney's Warringah Mall.

Coles says its Broken Hill project will create 165 construction jobs and provide on-going employment for a further 80 team members on top of its existing workforce, who operate a supermarket in Patton Street, Broken Hill South.

The existing store will be closed when the new development opens around April 19, 2014.